Horse lucky to survive after being shot with a LONGBOW in the face
Police have labelled the crime as 'senseless' as the Widget the horse begins its long road to recovery
A HORSE has been left with a 2.5ft arrow in his eye after being shot in the head in what has been labelled “a wicked attack”.
Widget, a white and brown Cob-type yearling colt, was found in a field off Bedmond Road in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire with the huge arrow through his eye on Saturday evening.
RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Mel Fisher said: "It seems this poor boy has had a very lucky escape, though the next 48 hours will be crucial.
"The long bow bolt has gone through his eye socket and into his nasal cavity, miraculously without hitting anything vital."
She said she hoped the brave horse would recover quickly: "It's hoped he won't lose his eye but it's too early to know for sure.
"This was a wicked attack on a friendly and sociable little chap."
The horse is now being treated at the Royal Veterinary College with police hunting for his attacker.
Detective Sergeant Dan Stoddart, the investigating officer, said: "This is a senseless, cruel crime and we are doing all we can to find the person responsible."
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The RSPCA, Local Crime Unit and the Constabulary’s Rural Operational Support team are involved in the investigations.
Hannah Dorset, who owns Widget, said she was proud of her horse who "taken this awful incident in his stride.
"The team at the Royal Veterinary College is taking fantastic care of Widget. At the moment, they are taking all precautions to make sure the wound doesn't get infected or cause an abscess.
"I visited Widget yesterday and am pleased to say he is very bright and alert and was enjoying plenty of carrots as a treat! I have been overwhelmed by the support from people on social media."
Police are now appealing for any witnesses to the crime to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Stoddart said: "If you saw anyone acting suspiciously around the field ... we would like to hear from you as soon as possible."
Anyone with any information should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
